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scott_a_miller's review
4.0
A negotiated mystery. From the first page Spenser and company were busy. So many times in Parker’s books if I don’t like the character they are trying to help, I don’t like the book. This one was different, more , I don’t know, cerebral. Parker loads more detail with every book. It’s amazing the number of books he produced. They’re getting better just about every time.
jurassicreader's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
bmlowry8's review
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
brianlokker's review
4.0
Among the best Spenser books, I think, are those in which Spenser comes up with an "outside the box" solution to the case he's working on. Those cases often involve a young person who Spenser sees as vulnerable and a victim of circumstances beyond his or her control, whether family circumstances or broader societal ones. Playmates is one such book.
When Taft University hires Spenser to investigate rumors of point-shaving on the school's excellent basketball team, Spenser figures out who's responsible fairly quickly. Unfortunately, the culprit is the star of the team and a surefire pro prospect. He's also arrogant, irritating, and immature. But rather than blowing the whistle on him, Spenser takes the time to learn more about him. He soon learns that the player has been lured into the scheme by a mob-connected criminal and someone in the school administration who is supposed to be looking out for him. Of course, this doesn't sit well with Spenser, and he becomes determined to find a way out for the player.
He meets anticipated resistance from the mob-connected guy, who tries to buy him off, and when that fails, kill him. But he also meets surprisingly strong resistance from the player, whose misplaced sense of loyalty won't allow him to rat anyone out. Fortunately, the player's girlfriend sees the situation differently and takes Spenser's side.
One nice aspect of Playmates is the extent to which both Hawk and Susan Silverman work with Spenser to get the right result. Hawk is more than a sidekick, and Susan is more than Spenser's main squeeze (which, in my opinion, is why she's less annoying than she often is). Lieutenant Marty Quirk also makes a key decision that helps Spenser.
Like the other books in the Spenser series, this is a nice quick read. It also raises some interesting moral questions about the insidious and cynical exploitation of talented young people from impoverished backgrounds. Recommended for Spenser fans and newcomers alike.
When Taft University hires Spenser to investigate rumors of point-shaving on the school's excellent basketball team, Spenser figures out who's responsible fairly quickly. Unfortunately, the culprit is the star of the team and a surefire pro prospect. He's also arrogant, irritating, and immature. But rather than blowing the whistle on him, Spenser takes the time to learn more about him. He soon learns that the player has been lured into the scheme by a mob-connected criminal and someone in the school administration who is supposed to be looking out for him. Of course, this doesn't sit well with Spenser, and he becomes determined to find a way out for the player.
He meets anticipated resistance from the mob-connected guy, who tries to buy him off, and when that fails, kill him. But he also meets surprisingly strong resistance from the player, whose misplaced sense of loyalty won't allow him to rat anyone out. Fortunately, the player's girlfriend sees the situation differently and takes Spenser's side.
One nice aspect of Playmates is the extent to which both Hawk and Susan Silverman work with Spenser to get the right result. Hawk is more than a sidekick, and Susan is more than Spenser's main squeeze (which, in my opinion, is why she's less annoying than she often is). Lieutenant Marty Quirk also makes a key decision that helps Spenser.
Like the other books in the Spenser series, this is a nice quick read. It also raises some interesting moral questions about the insidious and cynical exploitation of talented young people from impoverished backgrounds. Recommended for Spenser fans and newcomers alike.
slapshottechnology's review
3.0
Always like a Spenser book with Hawk. This one was interesting with the basketball coach, player, and then some hoods. Definitely shorter reads early in the Spenser series, not much character development.
cheriekg's review
4.0
It started a bit slow and got bogged down for a bit in overly detailed accounts of basketball games, but once it moved, it moved. I appreciated the return to social commentary; I don't think I've seen such a strong societal statements since looking for Rachel Wallace. Too little Hawk, but just enough Susan.
depreydeprey's review
4.0
I like Spenser and College basketball. I had no choice but to like this book a lot.
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